Kilbourne marks turning point

The view of the Jackson Street pier in Sandusky from Moseley's Public House and Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Kilbourne is world class, indeed. The new business' debut as downtown's first hotel last week was much the same.We know a hit when we see one, and the long-anticipated grand opening of Hotel Kilbourne marks an important milestone in the awesome renaissance occurring downtown. There were hotels downtown back in the day, but not for many, many years.Downtown Sandusky's resurgence has been sustained for a decade. It's been the place to go for quite some time. With the addition of Hotel Kilbourne, now it's a place to visit, and a place to stay over.Owners, husband and wife Ryan Whaley and Nikki Lloyd, have transformed the old building at 223 W. Water St., with more than $500,000 in investments. What was an empty building is now a luxury boutique hotel, completely re-built but maintaining the original facade out front.Our great-grandfathers and great great-grandfathers saw the world from a very different perspective. When the business district was built two centuries ago it faced away from the bay. Whaley and Lloyd, like other downtown property owners see it from both perspectives. Guests can enter the new luxury hotel from the front door on Water Street, or the back way, from Shoreline Drive.We want to offer our sincere appreciation to Whaley and Lloyd — and all the other downtown business entrepreneurs — for believing in Sandusky. Congrats to all of you.